Media important for democracy

The three journalists and a videographer, who received the TIB's Investigative Journalism Award 2012, and guests at the award giving ceremony organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at Brac Inn Centre in the capital yesterday.Photo: STAR

The media plays a significant role in ensuring country's democracy, good governance and human rights as it reflects people's opinions, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.
They were speaking at the discussion on “Investigative Journalism: Prospects and Challenges”, organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at Brac Inn Centre in the capital.
The discussion was held following TIB's Investigative Journalism Award 2012, which three journalists and one videographer received for the best investigative reports this year.
The four recipients are Bakul Ahmed, former reporter of dainik Jugantor, Rezaul Karim, chief correspondent of Chandpur's dainik Elshey Par, Hossain Sohel, reporter, and Krishna Sarkar, videographer of the then ATN News.
One of the key purposes of investigative reporting is to ensure the government's transparency regarding incidents of power abuse, said Prof Dilara Chowdhury, former teacher of Jahangirnagar University.
“Investigative reporting is also important in ensuring good governance and rule of law in the interest of the country's people. The civil society members must come forward to assist journalists in this regard,” she added.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the journalism profession is essential for any country's democracy as journalists discover the real story behind incidents, and that it is the main objective of investigative reporting.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said journalists should have honesty, sincerity, modesty and hardworking qualities among others for good reporting.
“Journalists should achieve the required qualities and skills to accomplish honest, daring and independent investigative reporting,” he added.
Matiur Rahman also emphasised training for media publishers and editors to enrich and expand the boundary of independent journalism.
Since the 1950s, journalists' contributions to the country are enormous. If everybody works in a united front for the welfare of the country, it is possible to establish a corruption free country, he added.
Sultana Kamal, chairperson of TIB Trustee Board, said if there is no love and sincerity for the journalism profession, then it is not possible to be a good
journalist.